By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs
More than 150 faculty and staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center said farewell to Col. David K. Chapman, DLIFLC commandant, during a luncheon at Khalil Hall on the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 16. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)
MONTEREY, Calif. – More than 150 faculty and staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center said farewell to Col. David K. Chapman, DLIFLC commandant, during a luncheon at Khalil Hall on the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 16.
“Thank you faculty for all you do. You made my job so much easier. All those great ideas came from you. All I had to do was go along with it,” said Chapman, referring to some of the academic initiatives he spearheaded with faculty input.
“A three-time grad of DLIFLC, a true professional, and a very caring and compassionate person are all the more reasons we will miss Col. Chapman,” said DLIFLC Chief of Staff, Steve Collins. “We know he will stay in touch and will be looking to see if we can keep the momentum going on the many great initiatives he started.”
Detlev Kesten, associate provost for academic support, wishes Col. David K. Chapman, DLIFLC commandant, all the best in his next assignment in Paris. More than 150 faculty and staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center said farewell to Chapman during a luncheon at Khalil Hall on the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 16. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)
Although serving as commandant for only about a year, Chapman has been very busy with many initiatives that effect students and faculty and better the institute. Even after his change of command, scheduled for July 29, Chapman plans to remain an advocate for DLIFLC, in support of the institute’s future success.
“We thank you for your genuine concern for our faculty and students, for hosting faculty luncheons, for visiting the schools, and augmenting our overseas immersion program,” said Dr. Jim Zhao, associate provost of Undergraduate Education.
Although the faculty played host for Chapman at the potluck luncheon, he hosted faculty members for lunch in his home on a monthly basis throughout his year in command in order to learn more about the instructors and their successes and challenges. He was also eager for them to learn about the historic 1903 home he lived in with his family.
Col. David K. Chapman, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center commandant, speaks to faculty during a potluck luncheon in his honor July 16. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)
Chapman’s next assignment will be as senior defense official and defense attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France. As going-away gifts, his staff presented him with a few humorous French-themed gifts including a beret.
